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Keywords:
Rusty Dusty Brothers (2)
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Description:
Long story: some of you will be aware of my being (many years ago) in a Sydney country rock band called the "Rusty Dusty Brothers" (the RDB Myspace site is at http://www.myspace.com/rustydustybrothers ). After meeting up with 3/4 of the rest of the band recently, this was meant to be a song we could do together. A nostalgic number about the old days. With one thing and another I ended up doing a "sketch track" on my own which ended up with this. I'm still hoping we can do a version of this together : )
Usual instrumentation - Jan sings the very high harmony in the chorus.
Thanks for the advice Alf - made me think a bit about starting bars for sure.
Play it loud!
Lyrics:
Rusty Dusty Nights
© 2006 Neil Porter
Long ago in a distant town
Moon was on the rise
We were getting ‘round
Late at night on a smoky stage
Used to burn so bright
On a different page
There were moments
When the gods were smiling down
When the boys up front
Just hit the notes so right
Ringing guitars
Rhythm section's locked things down
Seemed like golden days of
Rusty Dusty nights
Hopeful songs, wasn’t sure just how they came
We were on our own
No-one sounded quite the same
Things just rolled along
The band was getting tight
Stoking up the monster
Looking forward to each night
There were moments
When the gods were smiling down
When the boys up front
Just hit the notes so right
Ringing guitars
Rhythm section's locked things down
Seemed like golden days of
Rusty Dusty nights
Years have passed, and some things have changed
But mostly things have
Stayed the same
Different times but the bond remains
We’re all older now
Than we were back then
There were moments
When the gods were smiling down
When the boys up front
Just hit the notes so right
Ringing guitars
Rhythm section's locked things down
Seemed like golden days of
Rusty Dusty nights
Hardware:
Fender Telecaster
Seagull S6 acoustic
Rode NT3 mic
Behringer UB802 mixer/preamp
Fender Precision bass
iMac G4
Software:
Logic Express
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Delightful &mdash 12/07/06 - 07:20:08 AM
I love these old photos you've been posting, they are so cool! Of course you realise there are hundreds of young musicians on myspace trying to fake that early 70s look ...
Impossible to keep still when listening to this. It has a lovely bounce in its stride. Nostalgic it may be, but the melody is all optimism and joy. The harmonies are beautifully done and the jangly guitar is full of sunshine. Very enjoyable.
I hope you have a lot of fun when you get the chance to play this together! [ Reply to This ]
This is where it was meant to go! &mdash 12/07/06 - 06:01:58 PM
Thanks for the comment and the listen Rebsie - I wrote this while I was away on a recent camping trip, the point of which was to catch up with Roger, the guitarist from RDB. He had written a song lyrically similar to this on his latest CD, and we talked about doing this one with the old band. Unfortunately, my ability to "sit on" a song is rather limited, so in doing the sketch for the guys to work from, I took it rather further than planned. I'm really hoping I'll be able to post a combined effort maybe early in the new year - on this or something else.
Neil
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<a href="http://www.macjams.com/song/26865"> RUSTY DUSTY NIGHTS</a> [ Reply to This ]
Really Rocking tune &mdash 12/07/06 - 08:07:49 AM
Thanks John .... &mdash 12/07/06 - 06:03:55 PM
... for listening and leaving a note. Always appreciate hearing from you.
Neil
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<a href="http://www.macjams.com/song/26865"> RUSTY DUSTY NIGHTS</a> [ Reply to This ]
Who needs a band? &mdash 12/07/06 - 10:38:50 AM
when you got Neil? With your songwriting, Donovan-like vocals, cool instrumentation.... great song Neil. I'll be looking for that download button to grab this soon....
cheers mate. [ Reply to This ]
... I'd really like a band : ) &mdash 12/07/06 - 06:08:40 PM
Thanks Jack. I do enjoy the multi-instrumental/vocal thing a lot, but am still missing the "bouncing off" other players in a live situation. Have played a few "face to face" times over the past month or so, and enjoyed it a lot - hoping to get a tune up with a fellow MJer (maybe two) in the same room over the holidays. Main thing is that I'm still really enjoying making music.
Neil
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<a href="http://www.macjams.com/song/26865"> RUSTY DUSTY NIGHTS</a> [ Reply to This ]
I hear ya... &mdash 12/07/06 - 10:34:06 PM
I miss the face to face also. Especially now that I have this new sax. That is the instrument I used to play in bands back in the sixties and seventies. For the time being I will have to be content with the virtual band world here at MJ.
cheers
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Dadai
... It's just music [ Reply to This ]
Attitude adjustment time... &mdash 12/07/06 - 02:17:24 PM
Neil, I've managed to remain in denial about the idea that you played in a country rock band simply because, I can't imagine it... As I'm listening, it comes to me why I have a problem accepting this CRAZY notion - I think of country music ingredients as being: a huge dose of being down on your luck, and there's lots of cheating going on, unsophisticated (as it turns out, that would be me lacking in sophistication pertaining to, 'what country rock music is'), toss in some broken pieces of farm equipment, a double dipping of twang and a few well intended yelps, and there you have, what country music "isn't"...
Cause what I'm hearing is indeed, sophisticated (that's because you had something to do w/ it), and it's about a nostalgic good time of yesteryear, (it gave me the 'feel good' chills) an articulate arrangement/placement of notes, excellent, excellent writing - okay, there was some twang, but it was more a restrained offering of some very tasty sweet licks.
And the defining factor that tries to plant me in denial, and w/ a knowing that this 'isn't what country music is', is the fact that I liked it. And I was quite taken aback that I couldn't download it to itunes to add to my, 'things are good' playlist...
Thanks for sharing this, my friend - Cheers! - D [ Reply to This ]
Yee-ha! &mdash 12/07/06 - 06:16:18 PM
Mr Macca! Good to hear from you, and a very interesting discursion on the country music genre for sure :)
We have a local "country music" festival which I avoid at all costs for all the aspects of country you describe above (I also avoid the "jazz" festival because there are only so many times in a person's life they should be forced to listen to "When The Saints Go Marching In"!). There was a golden time for country rock - when it was a new idea and the energy of the original players was full and ideas were fresh. RDB exmplified that in Sydney (well, in our own minds at least), and I miss the playing still. I don't miss the smoky gigs, lugging gear around and losing touch with reality. It's nice to be able to relive just a little of the joys of RDB here on MJ.
Thanks again my friend,
Neil
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<a href="http://www.macjams.com/song/26865"> RUSTY DUSTY NIGHTS</a> [ Reply to This ]
C&W &mdash 12/08/06 - 12:34:31 AM
Hahaha! I was listening to this going 'this might be one of the few country tunes I like!' and now read Mac-dion's funny description... yeah, not a fan of that genre either, although sometimes I'm surprised.
But anyway! Great job Neil, always impressive that you can record all this stuff by yourself and have it sound so damn good. I noticed a lot of nice details in the drums; you definitely have a knack for putting the right rhythms and fills in there. [ Reply to This ]
DoD rules! &mdash 12/08/06 - 01:20:32 AM
All down to your suggestion a long time ago that I try DoD David - thanks a lot for that - so real and so much easier than getting midi to sound good.
Neil
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<a href="http://www.macjams.com/song/26865"> RUSTY DUSTY NIGHTS</a> [ Reply to This ]
Ask the Dust(y) &mdash 12/07/06 - 02:32:05 PM
Nice laid back track Neil, I like the harmony vocal bits and chiming rhythm guitar. Some tasteful lead stuff there too with a nice tone
Steve [ Reply to This ]
Cheers Steve &mdash 12/07/06 - 06:26:23 PM
Thanks for the listen and leaving a comment. Lead guitar is proving a lot of fun - some things come naturally (others are way out of my league!).
Neil
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<a href="http://www.macjams.com/song/26865"> RUSTY DUSTY NIGHTS</a> [ Reply to This ]
another one... &mdash 12/07/06 - 02:55:29 PM
Thanks for the advice Alf! &mdash 12/07/06 - 10:31:07 PM
Added some soloing at the front rather than the extra bars - seemed to work OK.
Cheers,
Neil
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<a href="http://www.macjams.com/song/26865"> RUSTY DUSTY NIGHTS</a> [ Reply to This ]
Loved that &mdash 12/07/06 - 03:33:06 PM
Great melody and guitar playing. I enjoyed the understated and subtle mix. Very good song, mate. [ Reply to This ]
Merci! &mdash 12/07/06 - 10:34:23 PM
Glad you enjoyed it Youra - always appreciate a comment after a listen : ) Not quite as lively a mix as I usually like to do for some reason, but mellow for sure.
Cheers,
Neil
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<a href="http://www.macjams.com/song/26865"> RUSTY DUSTY NIGHTS</a> [ Reply to This ]
Ahh yes .. &mdash 12/07/06 - 03:49:52 PM
.. nostalgia. You be pleased to know pink shirts made
a rivival over here in Sweden a few years back - true.
This has more growth than the collective facial hair of the group and I loved it- the verses glide .. but it's the oh so smooth link/gap and killer chorus for me (crucially made sweet by that high harmony btw and tasteful lyrics.. I wonder if I can hit it on a good day with a wind behind me .. and lots of correction .. lol.)
Flares, tank-tops .. (of course I am far too young to
remember any of this first time round .. ) I do remember the Waltons though .. ;o)
[ Reply to This ]
More a salmon really : ) &mdash 12/07/06 - 10:59:03 PM
Thanks for listening and your amusing comment Alan. If you look at the photo on the Myspace RDB page you'll see that there's more than the pink shirt and flared pants that have gone out of fashion - my hair was down to my backside in those days. I enjoyed those times, but wouldn't want to go through them again. Glad you enjoyed the song - four notes are on their way to your inbox. I'm glad you mentioned the chorus, because I too thought it was among my best.
Cheers,
Neil
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<a href="http://www.macjams.com/song/26865"> RUSTY DUSTY NIGHTS</a> [ Reply to This ]
Sketch gone mad! &mdash 12/07/06 - 05:49:15 PM
Thanks for the comment and the listen Rebsie - I wrote this while I was away on a recent camping trip, the point of which was to catch up with Roger, the guitarist from RDB. He had written a song lyrically similar to this on his latest CD, and we talked about doing this one with the old band. Unfortunately, my ability to "sit on" a song is rather limited, so in doing the sketch for the guys to work from, I took it rather further than planned. I'm really hoping I'll be able to post a combined effort maybe early in the new year - on this or something else.
Neil [ Reply to This ]
Whoops! &mdash 12/07/06 - 06:00:36 PM
That's what happens when you try to do 3 things at once!
Neil
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<a href="http://www.macjams.com/song/26865"> RUSTY DUSTY NIGHTS</a> [ Reply to This ]
WHO PULLED THE PLUG! &mdash 12/07/06 - 06:13:10 PM
Ends Quick. Like some club manager saying, "That's it, Boys." The Grouch!
The Eager BackBeat is So Infectious! It all Just Rolls on from that. The MAIN Breakout Nashville Lead is a Head Spinner (Dire Sraights-like, Quiet Attention) and a real Bonus to the Atmosphere going down.
When you sing that softly, though Neil, how about a touch of Gain for those of us listening from the Bar, Eh?
Flat Out Terrific Piece. Total Pleasure.
Cooper [ Reply to This ]
Hey Coop! &mdash 12/07/06 - 06:19:34 PM
Glad you liked this one. I put up a version that had far too much gain on the lead vox, so pulled it and replaced it with this one. I'm finding that the bounce I do from Logic ends up sounding very different when it gets on the site - in terms of levels and such. I suspect I need to go back to Compression 101 agqain.
Always enjoy your comments!
Thanks,
Neil
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<a href="http://www.macjams.com/song/26865"> RUSTY DUSTY NIGHTS</a> [ Reply to This ]
like nothing else &mdash 12/07/06 - 07:28:13 PM
Neil, your songwriting is so original and compelling. the vocal harmonies, and "beautiful south" vibe to the backing tracks is simply really cool sh*t. you guys should do lots more. the mix climbed out of my speakers. [ Reply to This ]
Beautiful South ....... &mdash 12/07/06 - 09:30:46 PM
..... is where I live - just a different "beautiful south" to the one you might have in mind : )
Thanks for the very kind comments John. I'm really looking forward to doing this (or something similar) with the full band - they will add a lot more in the vocal and lead guitar departments for sure. Having my wife Jan in on harmony vox is really heartwarming.
Cheers,
Neil
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<a href="http://www.macjams.com/song/26865"> RUSTY DUSTY NIGHTS</a> [ Reply to This ]
The Rusty Dusty Multidimensional Musical Clonal Variety Siblings.... &mdash 12/07/06 - 09:21:22 PM
Hmmph. Won't catch ME indulging in nostalgia...
On this one I'm struck by the mix, which I like, and the fact that to me it doesn't feel like a one man show... Just a great rollicking feel to it...
The fade at the very end seems fast. That's my crit.
And though this works as a jiguma production, I'd also love to hear this worked up with the other Brothers...
Ed [ Reply to This ]
That ending! &mdash 12/07/06 - 09:37:42 PM
Don't you hate it when you don't hold a note quite as long as you'd like to, but are scared that if you try the phrase again it won't be as good??!! THAT's why that fade is so fast.
I think Jan would complain that it is in fact a two person show here :) I'm really hoping that we can do some recording as a band soon - meanwhile, you can hear another track I did with RDB at http://www.myspace.com/rustydustybrothers ("Just Not The Same" is me - the others - including Jed Hudson (a damn good bass player) doing "Dark Nights" - are a later incarnation).
Bah humbug - nostalgia is really old hat!
Neil
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<a href="http://www.macjams.com/song/26865"> RUSTY DUSTY NIGHTS</a> [ Reply to This ]
Ed ....... &mdash 12/26/06 - 08:42:33 PM
..... the RDB version will be starting early in the new year - we have a full band (with a different drummer - Roger the guitarist's son Jordy), and I'm really looking forward to it.
Happy 2007!
Neil --- If God Is Love (with Alfalpha)[ Reply to This ]
Full of warmth &mdash 12/07/06 - 09:21:51 PM
I know those moments when 'the goods were smiling' down - I play in a band that's been going for a good ten years or so and have lots of good memories of gigs when we really gelled and that just took us someplace else entirely. Cracking tune and lovely jangly guitar.
KK [ Reply to This ]
Greetings Komrade! &mdash 12/07/06 - 11:15:30 PM
Although my memory of some of our gigs is a little scrambled, when the two singers were on a roll and the lead player was firing (which was nearly always) and the drummer and I hit a groove, the earth MOVED! The gods were really smiling down sometimes, and it was what made music for me - the downside of lugging gear, getting ripped off and smoky gigs never provided a disincentive to play though.
Some excellent memories still. Glad you enjoyed it.
Neil
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<a href="http://www.macjams.com/song/26865"> RUSTY DUSTY NIGHTS</a> [ Reply to This ]
fat fat fat &mdash 12/07/06 - 10:48:00 PM
all the sounds are fat...very lovely....plus that is a great bandname....you da man neil...nice to hear something that aint some whiny political thing...heheheheheheheh
great work!!
z [ Reply to This ]
Just fat and happy! &mdash 12/07/06 - 11:25:20 PM
Thanks Fran - maybe you can add "goodbye Bolton" to those lyrics : ) What a relief he's gone from the UN!
I personally didn't like the name, but got voted down (and out eventually, but that's another story) - my preference was for "One Horse Down", but no-one cared for it.
I really enjoy this style of song - enough rock to keep the youngsters happy, but with a story attached to keep us more "mature" folks' attention :)
You got something new coming out soon?
Neil
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<a href="http://www.macjams.com/song/26865"> RUSTY DUSTY NIGHTS</a> [ Reply to This ]
Welllllll.... &mdash 12/07/06 - 11:19:14 PM
I like so much about this song, the catchy chorus , the excellent guitar leads, the nostalgic feel of the lyrics. But to me it sound like there's an overdose of compression on the whole thing. I'd prefer a bit more open, sloppy sound. It's a bit too tight, sounding too tidy, especially considering the subject matter. It sounds like there's compression on every track, but maybe it's just me, I think it could be bouncier, more lively. It sounds a little tightly clenched. I would like to hear the band's version of this, since I think it would totally rock, and don't give up on pursuing that! [ Reply to This ]
Like I said - back to Compression 101 for me &mdash 12/07/06 - 11:31:36 PM
I think you hit the nail on the head Jim. I've been playing around with this song a lot, and you are of course correct about the compression being a bit much. I'm going to remix it after taking everything back to scratch on the console and see what happens. Hopefully a band version will happen early next year.
Thanks for the comment - I really appreciate constructive criticism.
Neil
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<a href="http://www.macjams.com/song/26865"> RUSTY DUSTY NIGHTS</a> [ Reply to This ]
Cheerfull !! &mdash 12/09/06 - 05:37:27 AM
very goorevy ..ye so nice ....I like the bass
so much ...the harmonies so tasteyI liked
the lead so clean and in time ...good job
a real classic of yours Neil ...!! [ Reply to This ]
Thanks Feter &mdash 12/09/06 - 07:24:35 AM
I'm really pleased that you enjoyed this Feter. Thanks for the comment - all the best to you in Baghdad!
Neil
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<a href="http://www.macjams.com/song/26865"> RUSTY DUSTY NIGHTS</a> [ Reply to This ]
your 'yesteryears' :-) &mdash 12/09/06 - 09:48:09 AM
Neil, there's always a big satisfying smile on my face every time I hear your soothing voice. Your great soul always seems to shine through somehow. But away from that, this is just one hell of a great song. Nostalgia rules here :-) Pretty vocal harmonies, and Jan's addition in the chorus makes it all sound so beautifully 'complete'. And what a level of production... radio-ready to my ears.
- Walter [ Reply to This ]
As usual ....... &mdash 12/09/06 - 08:55:33 PM
....... you're too kind Walter - but don't feel you have to stop being so : )
It will be interesting to see how a band version works out.
Thanks for listening and leaving a comment.
Neil
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<a href="http://www.macjams.com/song/26865"> RUSTY DUSTY NIGHTS</a> [ Reply to This ]
Man... &mdash 12/09/06 - 12:48:50 PM
Neil, your tunes sound so radio-ready! The mix is just perfect. Nice one- I really enjoyed listening. [ Reply to This ]
Great Production &mdash 12/09/06 - 11:06:05 PM
Neil
First great mix, you are working some magic there. Secound, love the tele sound and the lead and the bass and vocal strong as usual. I agree with the comments about the ending.
Cheers
Ed [ Reply to This ]
What a great tribute &mdash 12/10/06 - 11:56:36 PM
This perfectly captures the feeling of playing in a band when everything clicks into place and you feel you could take over the world with your sound. It's something that never leaves you and this song is a wonderful tribute to your band and to playing live. The lyrics invoke a wonderful nostalgia without any mawkish sentimentality. Top marks that man! [ Reply to This ]
Had me at "hello" &mdash 12/12/06 - 02:20:53 PM
It's just a great title, to begin with! This is a real fun and sunshiny tune, nice phrasing on the verses - have you got any video of the band playing out? It would be great to get video of you guys doing this version and cut that in somehow. This is like your "When We Was Fab" - nice! It IS fab! [ Reply to This ]
Not invented : ) &mdash 12/12/06 - 03:41:21 PM
Hey Bing, thanks for the listen. I'm afraid video wasn't exactly easy to do when we played together - last time I played with the guys (together) was over 30 years ago. I'll be happy just to get a version recorded in mp3 at this stage, but a nice idea!
Peace,
Neil
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<a href="http://www.macjams.com/song/26865"> RUSTY DUSTY NIGHTS</a> [ Reply to This ]
nice bass &mdash 12/12/06 - 03:45:44 PM
Hi Neil, I think the bass sounds very clear in the mix here and is played creative:) Reminds me of something the Eagles could have done.
Very good song, with a catchy refrain. You're good at making songs and you treat that electric guitar pretty good as well:)
[ Reply to This ]
aaaaaaaahhhh &mdash 12/12/06 - 03:48:46 PM
feels so good to listen to I dont know why but the bass line is so appealing. Very good song writing wish I could have seen that live [ Reply to This ]
is this &mdash 12/14/06 - 05:35:55 AM
country music? like the mellow 70s feel for sure...
great for sipping tea....
Nice flowing tune, Neil... glad to hear you're using a Tele.
Cheers
J.K [ Reply to This ]
oh yeah &mdash 12/14/06 - 05:37:29 AM
looks like you guys had a major razor shortage in the 70s.....haha
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<a href="http://www.katchoolik.com"> Katch </a>
<img src="http://i12.photobucket.com/albums/a244/katchoolik/sunflowerkat.jpg"alt="Image hosted by Photobucket"> [ Reply to This ]
The lyrics... &mdash 12/14/06 - 01:31:56 PM
Are what got me. Reminded me of back in the days when I was performing in bands. You rocked this so well. Thanks for the memories. [ Reply to This ]
Hey Neil &mdash 12/15/06 - 12:52:34 PM
See if you can follow this... The 1st time I heard this, I was uncomfortable with the melody, and I didn't want to say it, so I avoided comment... this bothered me, I thought you deserved an honest comment, i have no doubt you can handle real critique... so I came back, but this hit me completely different.. turns out I just didn't get it... I'm not suprised... my favorite band "YES" would often require more than one listen for a new song to sink in... but seriously, I'm wondering what I heard the first time... now I understand how the melody leads all the way to the chorus, (The Lift), but more important the whole vocal performance is one of your best... love the back ground vox... the tight, everyone (YOU) singing as one unit... the band is top notch producing & playing, and the solos and frosting are perfect.. what we've come to expect from you...
peace; Scott [ Reply to This ]
catchy chorus line &mdash 12/25/06 - 07:32:13 AM
I love the catchy chorus line, Neil. Your voice and the harmonies are very balanced - well done. Thanks again for posting your wonderfully polished work! Happy holiday. Laurie [ Reply to This ]
SNAFULATION WILL SLOBINSON! &mdash 12/31/06 - 07:58:03 PM
This is cool! Reminds me of R EM! A cool tasty tracky and has great pop sensibility. [ Reply to This ]
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Impossible to keep still when listening to this. It has a lovely bounce in its stride. Nostalgic it may be, but the melody is all optimism and joy. The harmonies are beautifully done and the jangly guitar is full of sunshine. Very enjoyable.
I hope you have a lot of fun when you get the chance to play this together!
[ Reply to This ]